Bendigo Health’s Christmas Appeal will this year raise funds for an all abilities outdoor play space to aid the recovery and rehabilitation of the youngest patients in the Loddon Mallee region.
The Bendigo Chinese Association Inc on Thursday kicked off the annual fundraiser with an auspicious donation, coupled with a special appearance of a Chinese Lion on the site of the future playground.
The play space will be located close to the Clinical Services Campus on Lucan Street and is designed to complement services that will be located in the new campus.
More than 100 children from across the Loddon Mallee region are treated by Bendigo Health rehabilitation services at any one time. The purpose-built play space will become a place for therapists and patients in the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) to use during therapy sessions and at other times when children within the service just wish to play.
Bendigo Health Stream Leader for VPRS, Christie Verbeek, said playing is an important part of a child’s therapy journey.
“A tailored outdoor space will allow for interesting nature-based play and a place to practice running, bike riding, and return to walking in an outdoor environment,” she said.
The Bendigo Chinese Association Inc has a long-standing philanthropic relationship with Bendigo Health. This Christmas the association continued the tradition with a generous donation officially launching the appeal.
The Bendigo Chinese Association Inc President, Doug Lougoon, said he hoped the auspicious influence of the Chinese lion would bring good fortune to the appeal.
“We are proud to be investing in the future of our region’s children and see our contribution to this year’s appeal as a fitting tribute to the respectful relationship The Bendigo Chinese Association Inc. has maintained with Bendigo Health since 1857,” he said.
Donations can be made online at www.bendigohealth.org.au/Christmas or at any local Bendigo Bank branch. Bendigo Bank is the proud naming rights partner of the Bendigo Health Christmas Appeal.
